This July, I'm taking on the BIG STEP challenge.
I am doing this in support of safer births, better healing and raising funds to support the Australasian Birth Trauma Association (ABTA).
WHY? Two happy, healthy babies delivered, but a mother and father who went through hell to get there.
ABTA is Australia's peak charity dedicated to helping to prevent, diagnose, and treat birth-related trauma. ABTA listens to the voices of birthing parents and responds to the unmet needs of families across Australia.
Birth-related trauma is any trauma or injury, whether physical or psychological, sustained at any time in connection with pregnancy, labour or birth, leading to short and/ or long-term negative impacts on an individual’s health and wellbeing. Anyone can experience birth-related trauma, including mothers, people giving birth, fathers, non-birthing parents and other people witnessing a birth or providing care in relation to pregnancy and birth, including health professionals.
Up to 43% of mother's consider their birth experience to be traumatic. The ripple effect of birth-related trauma is far-reaching, alongside mental health challenges, it may impact bonding with baby, self-esteem, intimate relationships, relationships with friends and family, ability to exercise, decisions to have more children, maintain a social life or the ability to return to work or care for their family.
You can help make a difference. Support my BIG STEP!
